MIAM Rule Changes April 2024: What Separating Couples Must Know
- Sushma Kotecha
- May 11, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Understanding MIAM and Its Importance One Year on From Rule Changes.
If you’re separating or divorcing in England & Wales, attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is now more crucial than ever.
The April 2024 updates to the Family Procedure Rules reinforce a MIAM as the first step in resolving disputes helping families find solutions without costly and stressful court battles.
What is a MIAM?
A MIAM is an initial separate information and assessment meeting where an accredited mediator explains how mediation works and assesses whether it’s suitable for your situation. Courts now enforce MIAM attendance more strictly to encourage non-court dispute resolution (NCDR).
New MIAM Requirements in April 2024
The strengthened MIAM rules emphasise:
Stronger Court Oversight – Judges can adjourn cases if mediation is a viable option, ensuring parties explore alternatives before litigation.
Fewer Exemptions – Exemptions for MIAM attendance (e.g., domestic abuse or urgent cases) now have stricter thresholds, meaning fewer people can bypass attending a MIAM.
Government Funding – The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme offers financial support to eligible families, making mediation more accessible.
Expanded Options – Mediators at MIAMs must discuss all key NCDR options, including arbitration, collaborative law, and other dispute resolution methods.
Why Mediation is the Best Alternative to Court
Mediation offers several advantages over litigation:
Cost-Effective – Mediation is cheaper and faster than going to court.
Reduces Conflict – It encourages cooperative decision-making, benefiting children and co-parents.
Tailored Agreements – Solutions are customised rather than imposed by the court, allowing families to create arrangements that work for them.
How to Prepare for Your MIAM
To make the most of your MIAM session:
Clarify your goals – Identify what matters most in your separation.
Gather relevant documents – Financial details and parenting plans can help facilitate discussions.
Stay open-minded – Mediation works best when both parties engage constructively.
Understand your options – Be prepared to discuss various forms of dispute resolution beyond mediation, such as arbitration or collaborative law.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
With stronger MIAM requirements now in force, separating couples must explore mediation and other non-court dispute resolution (NCDR) options before heading to court unless an exemption applies. Mediation empowers families to make calm, informed decisions, reducing stress and uncertainty.
If you’re considering separation, attending a MIAM is no longer just a formality-it’s an opportunity to explore solutions that work best for your family.
Need Support?
If you’d like to learn more about the support available as you navigate separation or divorce, you can explore our dedicated mediation and coaching pages.
